Travelling Across Europe With Your Dog: The Complete Guide to Finding the Right Hotel
The pet-friendly accommodation market in Europe has grown significantly over the past decade. A 2023 report by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) noted that more than 90 million dogs and cats are kept as pets across EU member states, and hoteliers have taken notice. From boutique guesthouses in Bavaria to city-centre hotels in Amsterdam, the range of accommodation genuinely welcoming to dogs has expanded considerably. But "dog-friendly" is not a protected term — it means different things to different properties — and a lack of due diligence before booking can lead to real problems on arrival.
How to Search for Dog-Friendly Hotels
Several platforms have made the search easier. BringFido is one of the most comprehensive directories specifically dedicated to pet-friendly travel, listing hotels, restaurants, and attractions across Europe with user reviews from fellow dog owners. Booking.com includes a pet-friendly filter that surfaces properties willing to accept animals, though the details vary — always read the fine print on each listing. Hotels.com has a similar filter and frequently highlights any per-night pet fees upfront.
For a European-focused option, Holidog has developed a strong reputation for vetted pet-friendly rentals and hotels, particularly in France, Spain, and Italy. It tends to provide more granular information about what "pet-friendly" actually means at each property, which is genuinely useful when travelling with a larger or less common breed.
What "Dog-Friendly" Actually Means — and What to Check
Booking through a pet filter does not guarantee a smooth stay. Before confirming any reservation, there are several specifics you should clarify directly with the hotel:
- Size and weight limits. Many hotels that accept dogs apply a weight ceiling — often 10 kg or 15 kg — which excludes medium and large breeds entirely.
- Breed restrictions. Some properties ban specific breeds outright, regardless of individual temperament.
- Extra fees. Pet supplements vary widely, from a modest cleaning fee of €10–€15 per stay to nightly charges of €30 or more in higher-end properties.
- Where dogs are permitted. Some hotels allow dogs in rooms but not in common areas, restaurants, or lifts. Others restrict dogs to ground-floor rooms only.
- Maximum number of dogs per room. Many properties that accept one dog will not accept two.
Always confirm these details in writing — by email rather than phone — so you have a clear record if there is any dispute on arrival.
Breed-Specific Legislation Across Europe
If you own a breed that appears on any national restricted or prohibited list, travel planning requires additional care. Breed-specific legislation (BSL) varies significantly from country to country across Europe, and hotels in those countries often mirror national law in their own policies.
In Germany, breed restrictions are governed at the state (Länder) level rather than federally, meaning rules differ between, say, Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. Breeds such as Pitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers face varying levels of restriction depending on the state. In France, the Code Rural et de la Pêche Maritime categorises dogs into two groups — category one (attack dogs, effectively banned in public) and category two (guard and defence dogs requiring a permit and public muzzling). Spain has its own Ley de Bienestar Animal, updated in 2023, which introduced a list of Potentially Dangerous Animals (PPP) and requires owners to hold liability insurance and register affected breeds with local authorities. The United Kingdom, though no longer an EU member, maintains the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which prohibits four types including the Pit Bull Terrier.
Even if your dog is legal in the destination country, individual hotels may apply their own breed bans. If you own a breed that falls into any restricted category, contact the property directly and ask for a written confirmation that your specific dog will be accepted.
Country Attitudes: Where Dogs Are Most Welcome
Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands consistently rank among the most dog-tolerant countries in Europe. In Germany, dogs are commonly seen in supermarkets, shops, and public transport, and hotels across all price points tend to have clear, pragmatic pet policies. Austria follows a similar cultural approach. Amsterdam is famously relaxed about dogs in cafes and even some indoor public spaces.
Mediterranean destinations can be more variable. Many beach resorts in Spain, Italy, and Greece prohibit dogs from beaches between June and September under local bylaws, and some hotel complexes in these areas — particularly larger all-inclusive resorts — do not accept pets at all. This does not mean the countries are unfriendly to dogs generally, but it does mean accommodation choices can be more limited in peak coastal season.
What to Pack for a Hotel Stay With Your Dog
Packing thoughtfully prevents the most common friction points during hotel stays. The essentials include:
- Your dog's EU Pet Passport (required for travel between EU member states under EU Regulation 576/2013, which governs the non-commercial movement of pet animals). The passport confirms rabies vaccination, microchip details, and any other required treatments.
- Vaccination records in hard copy, especially if crossing borders where additional checks may occur.
- A familiar dog bed or blanket to reduce anxiety in an unfamiliar environment.
- Food and water bowls — collapsible versions are particularly practical.
- Sufficient food for the entire trip, since your dog's regular brand may not be available locally.
- Waste bags, a lead, and any regular medication.
Zooplus stocks a wide range of travel-focused accessories that are worth considering before you depart. Their portable collapsible bowls and travel bags pack down neatly and are well-suited to hotel stays. If your dog tends to be anxious in new surroundings, Zooplus also carries calming treats and supplements — worth trialling at home first so you know how your dog responds before a trip.
Hotel Etiquette: Keeping Everyone Happy
Behaving considerately in dog-friendly hotels protects the experience for future dog owners as well as yourself. A few guidelines worth keeping in mind:
- Never leave your dog unattended in the room if they are likely to bark or become distressed. Noise complaints are one of the most common reasons hotels withdraw pet-friendly policies.
- Use the stairs rather than the lift where possible, particularly in busy periods — not all guests are comfortable sharing a small space with an unfamiliar dog.
- Always use designated outdoor toilet areas and clean up immediately. Even if the hotel does not specify this, leaving mess in garden areas or car parks creates lasting problems.
- Keep your dog on a lead in all common areas unless the hotel explicitly indicates otherwise.
- Report any accidental damage or soiling immediately — attempting to conceal it damages trust and makes hotels less willing to accept pets in future.
Final Tips Before You Book
The single most important step is to confirm the pet policy in writing before you pay any deposit. Use the booking platform's messaging system or send a direct email asking specifically about weight limits, breed restrictions, permitted areas, and fees. If the property cannot provide a clear written answer, that itself is useful information.
For multi-country European trips, check the pet entry requirements for each country you will transit through, not just your final destination. EU Regulation 576/2013 provides a harmonised framework for pet movement within the EU, but requirements for tapeworm treatment, additional vaccinations, and border documentation can still vary at the margins. The European Commission's TRACES NT system and your country's official veterinary authority website are the most reliable sources for up-to-date requirements.
With the right preparation, travelling across Europe with a dog is genuinely rewarding — and the number of hotels making it straightforward continues to grow.
Article by Sarah Bennett